Gynecomastia Medication

Gynecomastia is enlargement of breast in males due to hormonal disorders. It is very common amongst males and almost 70 percent of the males suffer from it at some point of time. Disorder of the endocrine system causes this non-cancerous increase in the size of the male breasts. Most of the times medication can reduce the problem but if the problem has persisted for more than two years then surgery is the only way to get rid of gynecomastia. It can be a cause of embarrassment and humiliation in the sufferer. Surgery offers a sure treatment and the results are immediately visible.

About Medication for Gynecomastia

Medical treatment of gynecomastia offers best results if started within the first two years of the gynecomastia. Selective estrogen receptor modulators which include tamoxifen or raloxifen can prove to be beneficial in treatment of gynecomastia in males. Tamoxifen can be used in adults who are suffering from painful gynecomastia. Aromatase inhibitors are used in cases of gynecomastia which occur during puberty.

Clomiphene is an estrogen which can be administered on a trial basis. The dosage is 50-100 mg per day for up to a period of six months. Almost 50 percent of the patients achieve partial reduction in the size of their breasts. Some of the adverse effects of this treatment include nausea, rashes and visual problems.

Tamoxifen is an estrogen antagonist. It is effective for tender gynecomastia which has set in recently. The dosage of this medicine are 10-20 mg to be taken daily. Around 80 percent of the patients report partial to total reduction in their breast size. This medicine is used for around three months and if it does not yield any quantitative result, the patients are referred to the surgeon. Main side effects of this medicine are nausea and epigastric discomfort.

Danazol is a drug which is not used very frequently. It is a synthetic derivative of testosterone. It helps in inhibiting secretion of LH and follicle stimulating hormone also known as FSH. It decreases estrogen synthesis from the testicles. The dosage of this medicine for treatment of gynecomastia is 200 mg twice daily. Around one quarter of the cases report complete resolution of gynecomastia with this treatment. Adverse effects of this medicine are acne, weight gain, muscle cramps, nausea, fluid retention and abnormal liver function test results. All these medicines are used for resolution of gynecomastia in males.